17 down 983 to go…
It's starting to feel like there is less to report. The routine is more or less settled, and the days are busy, seeming almost to merge one into the other.
Day Ten (Wednesday): Classes started. The classes ran just fine with the new structure - it wasn't entirely plain sailing, but Bob managed not to interfere… too much. There were lots of 'suggestions' of how he would like things run…
On Day Eleven, Bob decided that he would like to stay in Japan for the full extent of his three-month visa… and was postulating about doing another walking pilgrimage over the extra period.
Day Twelve: Two weeks down and three days into the start of classes. More 'suggestions' from Bob on how to run classes… in fact he was virtually pacing in his office at not being on the floor for sword training!
Day Thirteen: We had a bit of a fall-out about how to run classes, but cleared the air reasonably quickly. As Bob put it: "There've not been too many wobbles." I was certainly expecting more with the start of classes.
Day Fourteen: Bob's been very busy working on incorporating some stick and knife work into the TodeJutsu syllabus. Other studies have stopped to allow this, the balance of the routine continues from 4am, with sword training, 3 meditation sessions and gym on most days to fit in his body workout programme and running (distance plus sprints) to get fit for Japan. Typical of Bob, the first part to slip was the lights out at 9pm… it's starting to stretch beyond 9.30.
Into week three with Day Fifteen (Monday): Took Bob's Uno back in after its service to have the brakes checked. Expensive news - needing work on the brakes that will cost about a quarter (if not more) of the car's value. Busy trying to talk Bob into trading in our two vehicles for one new one - we wouldn't need two for the next foreseeable period anyway. Bob is still working furiously on the TodeJutsu syllabus. He is loosing weight - and looking fit and well.
Day Sixteen: I finally found the head space to get down to some of my own work! What a relief. Classes running smoothly. Getting questioned after class with Bob wanting to know who was there and what was covered…
Day Seventeen: Classes have been running for a week, and I think it is safe to say that the system of Bob staying at Hombu while classes run, will work (perhaps with the odd hiccup, but it will work) - and I'm relaxing a bit as we move towards less than one month to departure to Japan. I'm not so sure that the Katori students are pleased to have me leading the class … I've already had comments like: "Isn't it time for one of Sensei's Bob famous talks?" and "Tell Sensei I never realised he talked so much!!" Well - they've got to get used to training 6 hours in a day… and if I'm prepared to beat them up with my kodachi… (my excuse anyway!!)
Shaz says: Much the same as last week - this 4am stuff is tiring. I know there will be a big emotional drain to recover from as well but feeling tired around 11am and again at about 2pm. Meals are getting easier, and I'm more bored with them than Bob is.
Bob says: Still not saying much … I think we're both having ups and downs, but overall this period and process has pulled us closer. He is working through each day diligently and determinedly - and someday or times there is a sparkle of enjoyment. He is looking forward to periods of his trip to Japan though.
Behind the scenes: Bob's flight tickets have been changed - he will be back in SA on 15th May (flies out on15th Feb) - but I still need to get them issued - Bob and flight change coupons don't make good travel companions. His insurance has been extended (required a second trip to the travel agent as I did not think of it at the time of changing the ticket - did I tell you I found the routine tiring - excuses, excuses). Plans for the next leg have been firmed and Bob will be based at Hombu from his return from Japan until the 9th June. From 10th June to 30th September he will be on a secluded retreat at an undisclosed destination in SA. I anticipate seeing him briefly about once every two weeks or so during this period.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 08 February 2007 )
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